DIY Abstract Art Heart Valentine's Day Favors

It's finally candy month! Er, um I mean the month of love. Yes, Valentine's Day is almost upon us, and the kids and I spent a snow day crafting our little hearts out (pun totally intended). We recently were invited to see The Children's Theatre production of The Frog Bride, and the vibrant, abstract backdrops in the play inspired our Valentine's favors.

The play was unlike any children's play we'd ever seen before. Instead of elaborate sets and a whole cast of characters, The Frog Bride features only writer/director David Gonzalez, pianist Sergei Prokofiev, and violinist Daniel Kelly set against a multi-media backdrop. The story all comes alive in Gonzalez's colorful narrations, which are partnered with abstract, watercolor splashes on the screen. This uncluttered performance really allowed the kids to use their imagination to envision the characters, the scenario, and the story's clever plot twists. The jazz music kept everything lively and engaging.

These DIY Abstract Art Hearts are perfectly unique and wonderfully inexpensive. Even my youngest was able to get fully involved in this project to create watercolor Valentine's cards for lots of friends and family. They're impossible to mess up, and that's a full-on win in my book. Because, ain't nobody got time for frustrated kids. Check out the entire how-to below.

Last-Minute DIY Sprinkle Heart Cake Topper

Around here, procrastinators are always welcome. We didn't even plan to make this cake until a couple of days ago. Well, today's Valentine's Day, and I've been in the kitchen with kiddo making and decorating a super simple box/mix cake to surprise Darren when he gets home.

Of course, I hit up my collection of sprinkles and sanding sugars for the occasion. Check out this cute video of her working her sprinkle magic on the cake. Look at those thick layers!

Anyway, I wanted a simple way to dress up a store bought or boxed cake that she could help me with. She's very into baking and making, so I wanted her to be more than just a casual observer in our V-Day treat.

So, I baked up two 6" cakes (they're the perfect size for our small clan), and she helped me frost and sprinkle the layers. Check out how we made this perfect little sprinkle heart cake.

DIY Valentine's Arrow Macaron Picks

Ever come across something cute, and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" This Sugar and Cloth tutorial is one of those. It's cute, easy, and Valentine's Day appropriate. It doesn't get much better than that. Plus, it would mean having macarons on-set, and I'm all about that.

Swing by Sugar and Cloth, and check out the tutorial for this cute V-Day project.

Dessert Table: Friend Fete

This simple cake is like a flower explosion! Rhiannon of Hey, Gorgeous Events and photog Kelly Braman teamed up to create this girls-only bash. Bursts of pink and red make this layered chocolate cake a girl's dream. Sugar crystals rim champagne wines and XO macarons greet each lady at their seat with even more stuff into favor boxes to-go.

Want to see even more dessert displays on bookcases, bureaus, and dressers? Feast your eyes on these.

images by Kelly Braman via Hey Gorgeous Events

Sweet Idea: Valentine's Inspiration

Last week, I shared this easy Airheads Candy Necklace tutorial that I made for my daughter. Today, I'm back with a few of my fave sweet Valentine's ideas from around the interwebs. An ombre cake for a V-Day wedding, perhaps? Who doesn't love edible confetti or pixie stick cards? And cookies in a cute jar? Yes, please! Enjoy!

pics via: Brides.com, Proper Pinwheel, Real Simple, House That Lars Built, You Are My Fave

Sweet Idea: Valentine's Day Store Bought Cake

I've got two sweet things for you today. The first, a fabulously simple cake just in time for Valentine's Day. The ladies of 100 Layer Cake bought a small, iced cake and adorned it with fruits and flowers. It's a perfect companion to a lovey-dovey dinner. 

pics by Scott Clark Photo

Dessert Meets Design: Geometric Valentine's Dessert Table

Get your eyeballs ready for some geometric, Valentine's awesomeness, because it's coming at you full force today. Hopefully, yesterday's DIY candy necklace got you in the holiday mood, because it was just a warm up for today's spread. By now, you know that I'm also one of the head honchos (honchos?) of Confetti Pop, and we dreamed up a geometric theme for Valentine's Day. And, because we like to make every shoot a party, we invited a team of great local creatives to join the bash, including my husband, Darren of Well-Groomed, and photog team Jeff and Jessica of Jeff Loves Jessica. 100 Layer Cake was kind enough to feature the entire shoot as well, so thank you ladies!

Now, on to the pretty. I designed a gold, purple and pink geometric cake that mimicked Maddy's DIY table runner. Gold candy, custom truffles, and favor boxes with custom labels were fun additions to Rolos with printable wrappers. I lined the platters using this Confetti Pop set of printable papers.

Want even more eye candy for the day? Well, if you think you can handle it, be sure to visit Confetti Pop for more pics of the entire event, visit Well-Groomed for close ups of the groom, and check out 100 Layer Cake to see which pics their editors liked best.

styling/concept: Confetti Pop

printable invites: Confetti Pop Shop
images: Jeff Loves Jessica
venue: 514 Studios
florals: Prairie Fair
groom's styling: Well-Groomed
makeup: Asia Marie - asiaschulz@live.com
hair: Melanie Rivers
bride's wardrobe: BHLDN Feria dress, BHLDN Lambent shoes
groom's wardrobe: Old Navy shirt, Men's Wearhouse bow tie, Target pants, Target boots

Dessert Meets Design: DIY Candy Heart Necklace

On a recent prop-shopping trip, I decided to let kiddo grab some candy from the 5 for $1 bin. For some reason, the Airheads were calling her name. So, she picked the white, orange, and pink, and we made our way to the register. A day later, I got an email from the good folks at Alt Summit that Airheads was running a Craft Your Valentine's contest (you can vote for me here), and a lightbulb went off. I didn't have time to make this craft before Alt, but today was the perfect time.

Using kiddo's remaining candy, I promised I'd make her a Valentine's treat. She was very excited, because she's my right-hand girl when it comes to sweet experiments. We came up with this easy, super affordable Airheads candy necklace! As you'll notice, she couldn't wait to take a bite.

If you like this project, be sure to swing on by the Airheads Facebook Page, click on the contest tab, view the entries, and vote for me. Thanks!

Want to make an Airheads candy heart necklace for your little loved one? Check out the how-to.

Sweet Idea: Striped Valentine's Mousse

Stick with me here. I know you don't usually think of peppermint for Valentine's Day, but what better way to use those leftover canes from the holidays than in a pink, layered, white chocolate mousse? Steph of raspberri cupcakes whipped these beauties up for Christmas, but I'm seeing a sweetheart dessert idea here.

images by raspberri cupcakes

Sweet Idea: Valentine's S'mores Pops

Kiddo's class is having a Valentine's party next month, so I'm already scouring the web for cute ideas. Although we can't bring in homemade food (total bummer), these little Valentine's S'mores pops would be a big hit with her friends in the neighborhood. Plus, they'd make a fun project for us to make together. I love when work and play come together.

Have you guys started brainstorming any Valentine's projects, yet?

pics via armelle

Dessert Table: Sweet Soiree

This pink and red fete featured on 100 Layer Cake and shot by Kat Braman is lush, but also really attainable. Why? Because the only desserts in attendance are cupcakes and a simple cake. Pick up some bouquet of flowers and arrange them in a pretty vase, and you're more than halfway there.

For the finishing touch, use glittery scrapbook paper and a heart craft punch to make a sparkly backdrop for your display.

Valentine's Visions: Cookies for Guys

So much of Valentine's Day is based on the premise of guys giving gifts to girls. Well, these cookies by Whipped Bakeshop are perfect to give to the guys in your life. They're a little sexually suggestive, which most guys probably won't mind.

Dessert Table: Golden Hugs & Kisses

If you've been around since this time last year, then you already know I'm a big fan of XOXO sentiments for Valentine's Day. Just check out this graphic dessert table I created. If you follow me on Pinterest, then you also know I love ombre cakes. I saw this dessert table on Ruffled Blog and found the best of both worlds.

images by Sara & Rocky Photography